Article

The purpose of this study was to review and synthesize available evidence on the
effect of focal knee joint cryotherapy on quadriceps arthrogenic muscle
inhibition and to discuss the implications of the findings regarding the use of
this modality for patients after a total knee arthroplasty.
An electronic
literature search that targeted peer reviewed journals was completed by using the
PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and OvidSP databases.
An article was included when
it was determined that the article was relevant to the topic of focal knee joint
cryotherapy and its effect on quadriceps muscle function. There were 6 studies
that met the inclusion criteria. Of the reviewed studies, effect sizes for
quadriceps activation ranged from very small to large. Five of the 6 studies
observed medium to large effects. Effect sizes for quadriceps torque and force
production ranged from no effect to a large effect. Two of the 5 studies with
outcome measurements related to quadriceps torque or force production observed
medium and large effects. Analysis of this evidence suggests that focal joint
cooling of the knee shows the potential to improve quadriceps activation as well
as quadriceps torque and force production in patients with arthrogenic muscle
inhibition. Arthrogenic muscle inhibition of the quadriceps is an impairment
commonly observed in patients after a total knee arthroplasty. Analysis of the
evidence uncovered in this review suggests that this patient population may be
positively impacted by the use of this modality to improve quadriceps activation
as well as quadriceps torque and force production.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS